WHO head says world is facing TB 'time-bomb'

The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) today warned that emerging, hard-to-treat strains of tuberculosis could spiral out of control and urged countries to help fight the growing threat.

WHO director-general Margaret Chan told health ministers and senior officials from 27 countries worst-affected by the new drug-resistant strains of TB that they must make dramatic improvements in detecting infections and build stronger health care systems.